The Ontario Minor Hockey Association was saddened to learn of the passing of Joyce Junker, who served as President from 2011-2013.

Joyce was a member of the Board of Directors from 1998-2013. During that time, Joyce chaired a number of Committees and was the Vice-President of the Western District and before becoming President.

The native of New Hamburg was a dedicated minor hockey volunteer for decades, serving generations of players. Her leadership strengthened programming and continued furthering the game in rinks across the province.

Joyce’s contributions to hockey will be remembered.

From the Junker family:

Joyce Shirley Junker passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Waterloo Regional Health Network – Midtown, at the age of 77.

Born on February 19, 1948, in Kitchener, Ontario, Joyce was the beloved daughter of the late Clarence and Irene (Frey) Rabe. She was the cherished and loving wife of Carl Junker, with whom she shared 57 years of marriage after being united on October 25, 1968.

Joyce was a devoted and loving mother to Ronald Junker and his wife Cathy, and to her daughter Ann Junker, who predeceased her in 2020. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Shannon Mandar (Doug), Shelby Reibeling (Alex), Jasmin MacLellan (Willow), and Liam MacLellan (Adrianna), and a cherished great-grandmother to Jacob, Cameron, Cheyenne, and Kason.

Joyce was deeply involved in the hockey community for many years and was a passionate advocate for the sport. She served with dedication as an Executive and Past President of the OMHA, 2nd Vice President of the OHF – Hockey Canada, Niagara East–West OHA League Convenor, Past Secretary for the Wilmot Spirit in 1983, and Secretary for the New Hamburg Firebirds from 2020 to 2025. Her commitment, leadership, and love for hockey left a lasting impact on countless players, families, and volunteers. Joyce was truly part of the hockey family and will be fondly remembered for her tireless service and unwavering support of the game.

She will be lovingly remembered by her brothers-in-law Bruce Junker, Al Junker and his wife Tammy, and her sister-in-law Janet Kobe and her husband Don, as well as by her many nieces and nephews. Joyce was predeceased by her sister-in-law Janice Junker.

Above all, Joyce was a devoted grandmother who treasured time spent with her family, friends, and extended hockey family. Her warmth, dedication, and generous spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.

Cremation has taken place. All are welcome to join the family for a memorial visitation on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, 291 Huron Street, New Hamburg, from 11- 11:45. Memorial service will follow in the chapel of the funeral home at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Tanya Varner officiating. Interment in Riverside Cemetery to take place in the spring.

As expressions of sympathy, and in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the New Hamburg Firebirds and can be done through the funeral home.